Max Shirley

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Lecturer

Humanities

Switchboard: +44 (0)20 7911 5000
309 Regent Street
London
GB
W1B 2HW
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About me

I am a Lecturer in English Literature in the School of Humanities. I came to the University of Westminster in 2023 to begin my AHRC-funded PhD project in experimental literature. 

I hold a BA (Hons) in English from the University of Leeds and an MA in Contemporary Literature and Theory from King's College London. I am an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. 

Teaching

I teach on the Level 5 modules, Literature in Public and Monsters. I am the convener for the Level 4 module Children's Literature in 2026/27. Previously, I have taught post-1945 fiction and creative writing. 

Research

My research focuses on post-war experimental and avant-garde writing. I am particularly interested in the work of Kathy Acker and the lasting significance of her innovative practice. An article based on this research, considering Acker's influence on the Irish writer Joanna Walsh, was published in Textual Practice in 2026. 

Other areas of interest include: narrative theory, gender and queer studies, American studies, and visual and popular culture. 

Publications

For details of all my research outputs, visit my WestminsterResearch profile.